Casey Kasem, Voice Actor and Beloved Radio DJ Passes Away at 82

Although we've known that Casey Kasem has been struggling with illness for some time, it doesn't make it any easier to report today that the beloved longtime radio DJ and voice of Scooby-Doo has passed away at the age of 82.

Variety reports that Kasem, an enduring voice of American Top 40 radio, passed away today as confirmed by his daughter. Kasem had been struggling with Lewy body disease, a form of dementia, and had recently been in the news when a dispute over his well-being between his daughter Kerri and second wife Jean unfortunately became public. It was Kerri who reported her father's passing on her own Facebook page today, on Father's Day.

Kasem gained notoriety throughout the 70s on the radio thanks to his soothing and cheerful voice as the host of 'American Top 40,' in which he counted down the week's top 40 pop hits, always capping the program off with his signature catchphrase, "Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars."

Kasem's famous voice landed him the part of Shaggy on the classic cartoon series 'Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?' and he continued to voice the character of Shaggy in various 'Scooby-Doo' cartoon shows and animated movies until 2006. In later 'Scooby-Doo' shows, he would lend his voice as a recurring guest star, appearing as supporting characters. He also lent his voice to several other animated shows, including 'Superfriends,' in which he voiced Batman's sidekick, Robin, and appeared on episodes of 'Sesame Street.'

Kasem's television appearances included roles on 'Hawaii Five-0' and 'Charlie's Angels,' and he even had a cameo in 'Ghostbusters' as himself.

Throughout the years, Kasem's presence has been consistent and enduring, his voice a constant and almost absent-minded comfort. It's strange to think that we'll never again turn on a radio and hear Kasem's voice telling us to keep reaching for the stars. He will be dearly missed.